I can’t quite pinpoint when Hadrian’s Wall first entered my life. Was it a line in a book, a fleeting image on a TV show, or perhaps a fragment of a history lesson that lodged itself in the corners of my mind? The origin of this fascination remains shrouded in mystery, but the obsession it sparked is apparent.
Category: Culture
Ranger’s House: A walk through time at Greenwich Park
In my latest adventure through English Heritage sites, I found myself at Ranger’s House, an elegant Georgian villa in Greenwich Park. This red-brick beauty, though simple in appearance, has housed a remarkable array of famous tenants over the years, from naval officers to members of the royal family.
Dear England
A play about football sounds as good an idea as staging Macbeth in a penalty box. Yet, Dear England turned out to be good—unlike, one might say, the actual England team. Just kidding—Gareth Southgate and his boys are great both on the pitch and as characters in this show.
Unlocking London: My journey through the Open House Festival
In September 2023, I explored London’s hidden corners at the Open House Festival, an annual event that unveils the city’s usually closed spaces. From architectural wonders to historical nooks, London laid bare its secrets, and I was there to see it.
Osborne House: A royal retreat amidst time and tranquility
Childhood summers spent in my grandparents’ village home cultivated an appreciation for the sense of belonging that only certain places can evoke. In a way, I was not so different from the British royal family who cherished their retreat at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
Eltham Palace: Where art deco splendor marries the past and future
My passion for Art Deco, a style that epitomises the glamour and innovation of the early 20th century, has always been intertwined with a deep respect for historic architecture—the older, the better. I was intrigued by how Art Deco evoked echoes of past historical styles, pushing design into a futuristic realm. This blend of eras drew me to Eltham Palace, where the medieval grandeur meets the sleek lines of Art Deco.
Echoes across time: My journey with Stonehenge and AI artistry
My fascination with Stonehenge began in childhood as I pored over pictures and stories about this enigmatic structure in old books in the attic. The image of magnificent stones against the backdrop of the English countryside has been embedded in my imagination ever since.
Wicked: When the magic runs dry
After a string of great shows, I finally hit one I truly hated: Wicked. Maybe I’ve lost touch with my inner child, or maybe the production has simply run out of steam. Either way, it was a slog.
Witness for the Prosecution: From council debates to courtroom drama
Apparently, I have a thing for Agatha Christie’s plays. After The Mousetrap, I ventured further into her repertoire and saw Witness for the Prosecution. While it’s undeniably gripping, I’d say this one has aged less gracefully—especially the overly melodramatic ending.
The Book of Mormon: Hallelujah, it’s hilarious
A comedy about religion? And a musical? Of course, I couldn’t resist. The Book of Mormon isn’t your grandma’s idea of an evening at the theatre—unless she has a surprising tolerance for songs about maggots in scrotums.